Matching business needs with the appropriate pallet racking systemis critical and entails asking the right questions as well as providingflexibility in solutions that can accommodate variables such ascapital resources, anticipated growth and variable product lines.Choosing the right storage system involves a solution process, andthat begins with considering the flow of merchandise. That willdictate your density requirements – how “tightly” the merchandiseshould be stored. From that key decision follows a series ofspecifications: the material and type of racking, pick systems,ancillary material handling etc.

Warehousing with high density storage design and solutions usually have largeor complete turnover of inventories during specific intervals orseasons. Merchandise could be stored in large bays with a fewaccess aisles to maximise floor space.

Conversely, lower density warehousing is appropriate for parts orretail distribution centres where customer orders are pickedcontinuously to fulfil Just In Time (JIT) requirements.

Storage Analysis & PlanningThe data collection stage of the design process defines datarequirements and results in the development of two “PlanningBases”.

1. Today’s picture of flows and quantity movements.2. Tomorrow’s requirements, which may show the transitional stepsat specific time-points where significant events are expected totake place e.g. new product launches or new contractsexpected / lost.

In almost all circumstances it is important to gain an understandingof the following;

l How are the goods received and in what volume? How are theyexpected to be received and to be stored and put away – and atwhat rates and volumes? Where you can find used pallet racking for sale?

l Which product lines are expected to be held as stock – togetherwith the physical characteristics for each stock keeping unit(SKU) passing through the warehouse?

l What volume of goods needs storing in each of the family or subgroups?

l What are the typical order profiles (analysed by division andfamily groups or sub groups)? Must orders be checked and/orrepacked? What is the work content and physical volume to behandled in each task area?